Danilo claim stuns radio studio ahead of Rangers v Panathinaikos
Danilo is set to start for Rangers as they take on Panathinaikos in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round on Tuesday.
Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane have faced disrupted pre-seasons amid intense interest from AEK Athens and Lille, respectively.
As a result, neither player is expected to be fit enough to start the season opener at Ibrox, with Danilo set to get the nod in their place.
The visit of Panathinaikos will act as head coach Russell Martin’s first competitive match in charge of Rangers, with Ibrox set to welcome the former Southampton boss.
Hannah dismisses Danilo claim
Danilo joined Rangers in 2023, signing from Eredivisie side Feyenoord in a deal worth up to £6million.
The Brazilian had enjoyed a strong year in Holland, but after a positive start at Rangers, his season was ended by a serious knee injury.
Danilo missed the start of last season too, but found form upon his return. Resigned to mostly appearances off the bench, the 26-year-old still managed to register five goals and four assists in the Scottish Premiership before the end of the season.
| Danilo | Scottish Premiership (2024/25) |
| Minutes per goal/assist | 85′ |
Excitement to see Danilo in full flight is rising with the striker now at full fitness, and the flames have only been stoked by his form in pre-season.
The Brazilian provided three assists and was on the scoresheet in Rangers’ behind-closed-doors friendly against Dunfermline, before bagging a brace against Hamilton on Saturday (19 July).
But Danilo’s form may not be enough to justify what one Rangers fan claimed on Clyde 1’s Superscoreboard (21 July).
Caller, Craig, from Moodiesburn, said: “When he’s (Danilo) fit, he’s probably the best number nine in Scotland.”
Presenter Roger Hannah took issue with the claim, replying: “I’m not sure I’m having that.”
Danilo can prove himself
There is an exciting element of the unknown surrounding Danilo. Rangers fans have never seen the striker able to play a full season in Scotland, and from the limited minutes the Brazilian has had, he has performed well.
Danilo still has plenty to prove, but should he be given an extended run with a starting role through the middle, the 26-year-old may surprise a few.
Firing Rangers back into the Champions League would be the perfect answer.
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